Bee Found brings together beekeepers in a whole new way. We encourage, but don't require, treatment-free beekeeping and social enterprise. Your gains are our gains. Your losses are our losses. Together, we will build stronger, healthier and resilient bees that will help boost all bees and pollination in the area. 

Bee Found was developed by Jeremy Idleman, an Iraq War veteran who struggled with PTSD upon returning home. It was his uncle, a life-long beekeeper, that introduced Jeremy not only to bees, but also the therapeutic benefits of bees. After starting beekeeping and realizing his uncle’s wise words were on point, Jeremy made the decision to create a nonprofit to help other veterans like him. Bee Found was born, and from it, the Bees For Bravery program which gives free bees, beehives and mentorship to veterans with PTS-like symptoms.

Beekeeping has helped so many people, especially veterans. In 1919 during post-war WWI, the U.S. Government made beekeeping more accessible to veterans with “shell shock” to give them an outlet and career to help them cope with their post-traumatic stress. It worked then, and it’s working now.

Bee Found’s main program, Bees For Bravery, is the perfect solution for veterans who need a little more mindfulness and socialization in their lives. Plus, they get some sweet honey!

Our Mission

Bee Found believes that new beekeepers should be taught the pros and cons of natural beekeeping in an effort to keep the strongest, healthiest bees without the use of dangerous chemicals. We acknowledge the therapeutic benefits of beekeeping, and because of that, focus on veterans with PTSD to give them focus and an outlet. Our goal is to raise area bee populations of strong, mite and disease-resistant bees. Our hope is that these backyard hives will facilitate a dialogue among neighbors, friends, family and the community at large about the importance of bees.

What We offer                       Our main goals